System and Method of High Precision Anatomical Measurements of Features of Living Organisms Including Visible Contoured Shape

ABSTRACT

Anatomical measurements of non-visible aspects of features of living organisms that include a visible contoured shape on the anatomical region of the living organism is disclosed. The system and method include an imager configured to take a series of images of an anatomical region of a living organism, such as a human patient in a clinic, doctor&#39;s office, or hospital. The system and method create a three-dimensional digital anatomical model of the exterior or visible part of the anatomical region that includes a target feature, such as a breast, nose, foot, or tumor. The target feature within the three-dimensional digital model is then isolated and manipulated to find measurements of non-visible aspects of the feature, such as mass, distances between visible points which pass through invisible tissues, e.g., depth and base width, surface distance between visible points, volume, area, surface area, circumference, and surface angle measurements of the feature.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

The disclosed technology relates to systems and methods for determininganatomical measurements. More specifically, the disclosed technologyrelates to a system and method of performing high precision anatomicalmeasurements of non-visible aspects of features of living organisms thatinclude a visible contoured shape.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

Various surgeries are performed today which involve the cutting of skinfrom one location, and placement on another location. Such surgeriesinclude reconstruction of organs such as the nose or breasts. Likewise,skin can be removed and is often desirable or even medically imperativeto know how much to remove and how much to add. In order to determinethe amount of skin to remove, medical professionals typically performanatomical measurements with tape measures, goniometers, displacement inwater, and other methods. Unfortunately, measuring anatomy with thesetechniques is often subject to high error rates and inaccuracies.Therefore, typically in the current state of the art, a surgeon cutsmore skin than required, for example, from the abdomen, in order toplace the skin over another part of the body and ensure that enough skinis available for use. This leads to longer recovery times and moredamage to the body than necessary, but avoids running the risk of havingtoo little skin at the time of surgery.

The problem of determining how much material (such as skin) is neededduring surgery or the weight and size of various anatomical features ingeneral, effects many disciplines including sports medicine, pediatricmedicine, plastic surgery, physical therapy, medical aesthetics, highperformance clothing and apparel, veterinary treatment, medicaltreatment and diagnosis to name a few. The treatment of many medicalconditions often requires detailed measurements of a patient's anatomyto determine treatment plans, treatment progress, signs of injury orinfection as well as fitting for medical devices.

Accordingly, there is a very strong need in the medical field for moreaccurate anatomical measurements of features of living organisms thathave visible external contoured shapes, such as organs, appendages, andextremities of the living organism.

Any device or step to a method described in this disclosure can compriseor consist of that which it is a part of, or the parts which make up thedevice or step. The term “and/or” is inclusive of the items which itjoins linguistically and each item by itself. “Substantially” is definedas “at least 95% of the term being described” and any device or aspectof a device or method described herein can be read as “comprising” or“consisting” thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

Disclosed herein is a method of performing anatomical measurements ofnon-visible aspects of a feature of a living organism that has a visibleexternal contoured shape. In embodiments, the method includes the stepsof imaging an anatomical region of the living organism, which includes afeature having a visible contoured shape, acquiring measurements ofvisible aspects of the imaged anatomical region, producing athree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region based on theacquired measurements, determining which feature is within thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region, isolating thefeature determined to be within the three-dimensional digital model ofthe anatomical region from the anatomical region into a separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature to provide athree-dimensional representation of the entire feature, and measuringthe separate three-dimensional digital model of the feature to yield ameasurement of a non-visible aspect of the feature.

In some embodiments, the visible external contoured shape includes aunique contour of the feature, which is visible to, and identifiable by,the naked eye, when looking at the living organism.

In some embodiments, the visible external contoured shape includes acontour of the feature having an external surface which is measurableusing a tape measure or goniometer, while the living organism is whole.

In some embodiments, the visible external contoured shape includes afeature that can be traced or measured by wrapping a film around theexterior surface of the feature, while the living organism is whole.

In some embodiments, the visible external contoured shape has a visibleouter circumference. This is in contrast to internal contoured shapes,which lack visibility and are disposed under or within the outercircumference of the feature.

In some embodiments, the step of determining which feature is within thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region is automaticbased on inputs entered about the type of feature known to be within theimaged anatomical region.

In other embodiments, the step of determining which feature is withinthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region isautomatic based on a known shape of the feature within the imagedanatomical region.

In certain embodiments, the step of determining which feature is withinthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region isautomatic based on manually entered inputs of the contours of thefeature known to be within the imaged anatomical region.

In embodiments, the method further includes the step of identifying thefeature determined to be within the three-dimensional digital model ofthe anatomical region by manually inputting at least one of a pluralityof points, a line segment, or a closed shape around the edges of thefeature to delineate the outline of the feature prior to isolating thefeature from the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomicalregion.

In some embodiments, the step of isolating the feature determined to bewithin the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region fromthe anatomical region into a separate three-dimensional digital model ofthe feature includes cutting the feature determined to be within thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region at a plane ofthe delineated outline of the feature.

In embodiments, the step of measuring the separate three-dimensionaldigital model of the feature to yield a measurement of a non-visibleaspect of the feature includes drawing a linear line segment from afirst point on the feature to a second point on the feature to delineateat least one of a width, length, height, or circumference of thefeature.

In some embodiments, the step of measuring the separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature to yield a measurement ofa non-visible aspect of the feature further includes drawing a planethrough the feature to delineate at least one of a width, length, heightor circumference of the feature organs.

In embodiments, the non-visible aspect of the feature includes a volume,a depth, a surface angle, an area, a base width or a mass of thefeature.

In some embodiments, the depth is determined by measuring the distanceof a linear segment drawn from a first point on the feature through thefeature to a second point on the feature.

In other embodiments, the volume is determined by measuring the distanceof a first linear segment drawn to delineate the widest width of thefeature from left to right, by measuring the distance of a linearsegment drawn from a first point on the feature through the feature to asecond point on feature from front to back, and by utilizing the pointsthat delineate the outline of the feature.

In embodiments, the step of imaging the anatomical region of the livingorganism includes capturing a whole exterior of the anatomical regionwith a camera. In some embodiments, the step of imaging the anatomicalregion of the living organisms includes capturing only the exterior ofthe anatomical region with a camera, without capturing any portion ofthe anatomical region which is invisible to the naked eye.

In some embodiments, the feature of the living organism that has acontoured shape includes an appendage, an extremity, or an organ of theliving organism.

In embodiments, the camera is the camera of a handheld electronic deviceselected from the group consisting of a scanner, smartphone, computertablet, action camera, video recorder, glasses, goggles, headset, smartglasses, augmented reality (AR) headset, and virtual reality (VR)headset.

In some embodiments, the step of acquiring the measurements of thevisible aspects of the imaged anatomical region includes measuring,using orientation sensors, the whole exterior of the anatomical regionduring the imaging of the anatomical region.

In embodiments, the measurements are obtained by comparing individuallycaptured images.

In some embodiments, the orientation sensors include sensors selectedfrom the group consisting of accelerometers, gyroscopes, motion sensors,global positions systems, and local positioning systems.

Also disclosed is a system of performing anatomical measurements ofnon-visible aspects of a feature having a visible contoured shape in ananatomical region of a living organism. In embodiments, the systemincludes an imager for imaging the anatomical region of the livingorganism, and an electronic device including a graphic user interface,an application programming interface, a processor, a memory, and a logicstored on the memory and executable by the processor, wherein whenexecuted the logic performs the steps of the method disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a cloud storage devicefor storing images and data captured and gathered by the imager andelectronic device, and a cloud computing engine. The electronic deviceinterfaces via the application programming interface to store or processimages and data in the cloud storage device, memory, or cloudcomputation engine.

For purposes of this disclosure, the following definitions are used:

-   -   “Anatomical” is defined as “relating to the body structure of an        organism.”    -   “Anatomical region” is defined as “a region on an organism's        body encompassing one or more organs.”    -   “Contour” is defined as “an outline, especially one representing        or bounding the shape or form of something, such as a body        part.”    -   “Appendage” is defined as “a projecting part of a living        organism, with a distinct appearance or function.”    -   “Extremity” is defined as “the farthest or most remote part,        section, or point of an object, such as a limb of the body of a        living organism.”    -   “Organ” is defined as “a part of an organism that is typically        self-contained and has a specific vital function.”    -   “Mass” is used interchangeably depending on context to refer to        “a coherent, typically large body of matter with no definite        shape” and “the quantity of matter which an object contains.”    -   “Three-dimensional” is defined as “having or appearing to have        length, width, and depth.”    -   “Digital model” is defined as “a digitized three-dimensional        representation of a person or thing or of a proposed structure.”        The representation may be provided on a two dimensional surface,        such as on a two dimensional screen, or may be a three        dimensional hologram in space.    -   “Isolate” used interchangeably with “cut-off” is defined as “the        separation, in electronic form, of a part of the body being        measured, where the separation is placed at least partially,        substantially fully, or fully in a plane invisible to a viewer        of the actual part of the body.”    -   “Visible” aspect of anatomy is defined as “a portion of a living        organism's anatomy that is visible to the naked eye and/or        measurable with a tape measure or goniometer, along the exterior        of the living organism, while the living organism is whole.”    -   “Non-visible” aspect of anatomy is defined as “a portion of a        living organism's anatomy that is invisible to the naked eye and        unable to be accurately measured within 5% using a tape measure        or goniometer while the living organism is whole.”    -   “Application programming interface” or “API” is defined as “a        computing interface exposed by a particular software program,        library, operating system, internet service, or network service,        to allow third parties to use the functionality of that software        program, and communicate with other devices.”    -   “Logic” is defined as “(i) logic implemented as computer        instructions and/or data within one or more computer processes        and/or (ii) logic implemented in electronic circuitry.”    -   “Computer-readable medium” is defined as “a medium capable of        storing data in a format readable by a mechanical device and        excludes any transitory signals, but includes any non-transitory        data storage circuitry, e.g., buffers, cache, and queues, within        transceivers of transitory signals.”    -   “Processor” is defined as “a machine, device, apparatus, or        process that processes something, such as a computer processor        or central processing unit.”    -   “Memory” is defined as “any physical device capable of storing        information temporarily, like RAM (random access memory), or        permanently, like ROM (read-only memory).”    -   “Query” is defined as “a question for information, data, or        signals made by a computer system that is processed and executed        by a processor.”    -   “Graphic user interface” or “GUI” is defined as “a computer        program and/or interface on an electronic device, such as a        computer, smart phone, or tablet, that includes one or more        inputs and/or outputs, which allow a user to interact with the        electronic device.”    -   “Input” is defined as “what is put in, taken in, or operated on        by any process or system, or the place where, or a device        through which, energy, information, or instructions enter a        system.”    -   “Output” is defined as “the amount of something produced by a        person, device, machine, apparatus, system, or process, or the        place where, or a device through which, energy, information,        instructions leave a system.”    -   “Cloud storage device” is defined as “remote device to which        data is transmitted, stored, maintained, managed, backed up, and        made available to users over a network.”    -   “Cloud computing engine” is defined as “a remote infrastructure        and/or processor that stores, maintains, manages, backs up, and        makes available data stored on a cloud storage device.”

Any device or step to a method described in this disclosure can compriseor consist of that which it is a part of, or the parts which make up thedevice or step. The term “and/or” is inclusive of the items which itjoins linguistically and each item by itself. “Substantially” is definedas at least 95% of the term being described and/or “within a tolerancelevel known in the art and/or within 5% thereof. Any device or aspect ofa device or method described herein can be read as “comprising” or“consisting” thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of the method according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosed technology.

FIG. 2 shows a high-level block diagram of the system according to oneembodiment of the present disclosed technology.

FIG. 3 shows a rendered three-dimensional digital model of an anatomicalregion, namely a back, including a feature, namely a tumor mass, afterimaging the anatomical region according to one embodiment of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 4 shows the identification of a feature, namely a breast, on thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region, which has beendetermined to be within the anatomical region, by way of manuallyinputting various points around the edges of the breast to delineate theoutline of the breast for isolation into an separate three-dimensionaldigital model according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 5 shows a before and after of the three-dimensional digital modelof the anatomical region and the separate three-dimensional digitalmodel of the feature, namely the breast, which has been isolated by wayof cutting the feature at a plane of the delineated outline of thefeature to create the point of isolation from the three-dimensionaldigital model of the anatomical region according to one embodiment ofthe disclosed technology.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of a three-dimensional digital model of anisolated feature, namely a breast, after being identified in thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region by way ofoutlining points around the breast where the breast meets the chestcavity according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective front view of a three-dimensional digitalmodel of an isolated feature, namely a nose, after being identified inthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region by way ofoutlining points around the nose where the nose meets the cheeksaccording to one embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective rear view of a separate three-dimensionaldigital model of a feature, namely a breast, being measured to determinethe depth of the feature after being isolated from the three-dimensionaldigital model of the anatomical region according to one embodiment ofthe disclosed technology.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective bottom view of a separate three-dimensionaldigital model of a feature, namely a foot, illustrating one manner inwhich the feature may be measured via a point to point measurement fromfirst end of the feature to a second end of the feature along a surfaceand directly from end to end to determine a distance after the featurehas been isolated from the three-dimensional digital model of theanatomical region according to one embodiment of the disclosedtechnology.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a separate three-dimensional digitalmodel of a feature, namely a foot, being measured to determine thevolume of the feature after being isolated from the three-dimensionaldigital model of the anatomical region according to one embodiment ofthe disclosed technology.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a separate three-dimensional digitalmodel of a feature, namely a foot, being measured to determine thecircumference of the feature after being isolated from thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region according toone embodiment of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosed technology provides a system and method ofperforming high precision anatomical measurements of non-visible aspectsof features of living organisms that include a visible contoured shapeon an anatomical region of the living organism. The system and methodinclude an imager configured to take a series of images, such as by ascan or video, of an anatomical region of a living organism, such as ahuman patient in a clinic, doctor's office, or hospital. The system andmethod create a three-dimensional digital anatomical model of theexterior or visible part of the anatomical region that includes a targetfeature, such as a breast, nose, foot, or tumor. The target featurewithin the three-dimensional digital model is then isolated andmanipulated to find measurements of non-visible aspects of the feature,such as mass, distances between visible points which pass throughinvisible tissues, e.g., depth and base width, volume, area, and surfaceangle measurements of the feature.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , simultaneously, there is shown a flowchart of the method according to one embodiment of the present disclosedtechnology. FIG. 2 shows a high-level block diagram of the systemaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. Thepresent disclosed technology provides a method 100 and system 200 ofperforming anatomical measurements of non-visible aspects of a featurehaving a visible contoured shape in an anatomical region of a livingorganism. In embodiments, the method includes the steps of imaging ananatomical region of the living organism, which includes a featurehaving a visible contoured shape 105, acquiring measurements of visibleaspects of the imaged anatomical region 110, producing athree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region based on theacquired measurements 115, determining which feature is within thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region 120, isolatingthe feature determined to be within the three-dimensional digital modelof the anatomical region from the anatomical region into a separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature to provide athree-dimensional representation of the entire feature 125, andmeasuring the separate three-dimensional digital model of the feature toyield a measurement of a non-visible aspect of the feature 130.

Features of an anatomical region including a contoured shape include:

-   -   *external organs such as the breast, nose, penis, and ear, among        others;    -   *appendages such as the head, arms, and legs, as well as        components thereof, such as lips, elbows, wrists, fingers,        thighs, knees, calves, ankles, and toes;    -   *extremities such as the hands and feet;    -   *body organs such as neck, shoulder, abdomen, waist, and        buttocks; and    -   *masses such as tumors, moles, skin tags, warts, cysts, and        bunions.

Further, one can measure an area of skin/fat/flab which is being grabbedand pulled from what is a resting surface position of the body.

The system 200 comprises an imager 205 for imaging the anatomical regionof the living organism, and an electronic device 210 including a graphicuser interface 215, an application programming interface 220, aprocessor 225, a memory 230, and a logic 235 stored on the memory 230and executable by the processor 225. The logic 235, when executed,performs the steps of the method 100 in whole or in part. In someembodiments, the system 200 further comprises a cloud storage device 240for storing images and data captured and gathered by the imager 205and/or the electronic device 210, and a cloud computing engine 245. Theelectronic device 210 interfaces via the application programminginterface 220 to store or process images and data captured by the imager205 in the cloud storage device 240, memory 230, or cloud computingengine 245. In embodiments the imager 205 comprises a camera. The cameramay comprise the camera of a handheld electronic device, such as ascanner, smartphone, computer tablet, action camera, video recorder,glasses, goggles, headset, smart glasses, augmented reality (AR)headset, and virtual reality (VR) headset.

In embodiments, the step of acquiring measurements of visible aspects ofthe imaged anatomical region 110 includes measuring, using orientationsensors, the whole exterior of the anatomical region during the imagingof the anatomical region. In some embodiments, the measurements areobtained by comparing individually captured images. In some embodiments,the orientation sensors comprise sensors selected from the groupconsisting of accelerometers, gyroscopes, motion sensors, globalpositions systems, and local positioning systems.

For example, step 110 comprises a collection of points in space, eachpoint having at least one different X, Y, and Z coordinate or a uniqueset of coordinates thereof. The points are determined based on adetermined distance from the imager to each point based on how fast orfar the point moves as the images created change relative to one anotherand/or based on the sensors to measure distance. Lines are then drawnbetween those points. Those lines create a mesh representing the surfaceof the model.

When imaging in step 105, for example by scanning, the position andorientation of the imager and the living organism or subject beingimaged can vary from scan to scan. This results in a difference in theX, Y, Z coordinates for the models. When performing comparativemeasurements between two or more models, the position of themeasurements must be in the exact location despite the X, Y, Z originsbeing different. This poses a difficulty because the offsets of themodels will cause the measurements to be in the wrong location. To solvethis, each three-dimensional digital model is given coordinates in athree-dimensional plane and corresponding points on the object (e.g.,person or part thereof) which have matching distances in space which canbe overlaid and given the same corresponding points. This can be donemanually (e.g., by selecting the same points such as an edge of a nose,breast, narrowest extent of an ankle, position of a shoulder, bellybutton, or the like with a preference for parts which are less likely tochange from one measurement to another at a different time). Usingstatistical modeling (e.g., best match for the most amount of points,and best matches for edges) can automate the process and can usethousands of points between two or more such models. A transformationmatrix to orient the latter models according to the position of earliermodels can be used. This allows measurements to be repeated from modelto model despite differences in scan to scan without human interventionand introduction of human error in positioning the measurement.

In some embodiments, the three dimensional model may be provided in theform of a three dimensional hologram.

In embodiments, the step of determining which feature is within thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region 120 isautomatic based on inputs entered about the type of feature known to bewithin the imaged anatomical region. For example, a user may input intothe system 200 that the feature is a nose or a breast or that theanatomical region is a head or a torso. Accordingly, based on thisinput, the system 200 automatically determines that the feature withinthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region is a breastor a nose.

In other embodiments, the step of determining which feature is withinthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region 120 isautomatic based on a known shape of the feature within the imagedanatomical region. For example, the memory 230 may include known shapesof all features of a human body such that the system 200 automaticallyidentifies the feature if and when the shape of the feature appears onthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region.

In certain embodiments, the step of determining which feature is withinthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region 120 isautomatic based on manually entered inputs of the contours of thefeature known to be within the imaged anatomical region. For example,after the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region hasbeen formed, a user, knowing where the feature is disposed, may outlineor delineate the feature within the three-dimensional digital model bytracing or outlining the contours of the feature via inputs into thesystem 200. In this way, the user manually identifies the feature withinthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , there is shown a rendered three-dimensionaldigital model of an anatomical region, namely a back, including afeature, namely a tumor mass, after imaging the anatomical regionaccording to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. In embodiments,imaging the anatomical region of the living organism includes capturinga whole exterior of the anatomical region with an imager such as acamera. In practice, a specific anatomical region including a targetfeature is imaged in order to provide a three-dimensional digital modelof the anatomical region. The purpose being to develop athree-dimensional digital model including the target feature so as tosubsequently isolate and measure the feature for surgery, resection,manipulation, therapy, treatment, and the like. For example, in FIG. 3 ,a three-dimensional digital model of the back 250 has been rendered andincludes a tumor 255, e.g., the target feature, having a visiblecontoured shape. Once the target feature has been included in athree-dimensional digital model, the feature can be further identifiedand isolated as described below.

Referring now to FIG. 4-5 , there is shown the identification of afeature, namely a breast, on the three-dimensional digital model of theanatomical region, namely the torso, which has been determined to bewithin the torso, by way of manually inputting various points around theedges of the breast to delineate the outline of the breast for isolationinto an separate three-dimensional digital model according to oneembodiment of the disclosed technology. In embodiments, the methodfurther includes the step of identifying the feature 305 determined tobe within the three-dimensional digital model 310 of the anatomicalregion 315 by manually inputting at least one of a plurality of points320, line segments 325, or a closed shape around the edges of thefeature 305 to delineate the outline of the feature 305 prior toisolating the feature 305 from the three-dimensional digital model ofthe anatomical region 315. To identify the feature 305, various points320 are input, drawn, placed, and/or arranged around the target feature305, i.e., the feature which a user wants to isolate from the originalthree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region into a separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature. When input around thetarget feature 305, the points 320 may be joined by the line segments325 to delineate or outline the target feature 305. Once delineated, thetarget feature 305 is ready for isolation. For example, in FIG. 4 , atarget breast has been delineated on the original three-dimensionaldigital model for isolation. The points have been drawn around the edgesof the breast where they meet the chest wall and connected via linesegments to accurately delineate the breast.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7 , simultaneously, FIG. 5 shows a before andafter of the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical regionand the separate three-dimensional digital model of the feature, namelythe breast, which has been isolated by way of cutting the feature at aplane of the delineated outline of the feature to create the point ofisolation from the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomicalregion according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 6shows a rear view of a three-dimensional digital model of an isolatedfeature, namely a breast, after being identified in thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region by way ofoutlining points around the breast where the breast meets the chestcavity according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 7shows a perspective front view of a three-dimensional digital model ofan isolated feature, namely a nose, after being identified in thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region by way ofoutlining points around the nose where the nose meets the cheeksaccording to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. In someembodiments, the step of isolating the feature determined to be withinthe three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region from theanatomical region into a separate three-dimensional digital model of thefeature includes cutting the feature 305 determined to be within thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region 315 at a planeof the delineated outline of the feature 305. For example, in FIG. 5 ,the target breast has been isolated from the original three-dimensionaldigital model of the anatomical region by way of cutting the targetbreast at the plane of the delineated outline or along a plane of thechest wall. FIG. 6 displays a rear view of the isolated breast. FIG. 7shows a separate three-dimensional digital model of a nose that has beenisolated from an original three-dimensional digital model of a head byway of cutting the nose at a plane of a delineated outline or along aplane of the cheeks.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11 , simultaneously, FIG. 8 shows a perspectiverear view of a separate three-dimensional digital model of a feature,namely a breast, being measured to determine the depth of the featureafter being isolated from the three-dimensional digital model of theanatomical region according to one embodiment of the disclosedtechnology. FIG. 9 shows a perspective bottom view of a separatethree-dimensional digital model of a feature, namely a foot,illustrating one manner in which the feature may be measured via a pointto point measurement from first end of the feature to a second end ofthe feature along a surface and directly from end to end to determine adistance after the feature has been isolated from the three-dimensionaldigital model of the anatomical region according to one embodiment ofthe disclosed technology. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a separatethree-dimensional digital model of a feature, namely a foot, beingmeasured to determine the volume of the feature after being isolatedfrom the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical regionaccording to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 11 shows aperspective view of a separate three-dimensional digital model of afeature, namely a foot, being measured to determine the circumference ofthe feature after being isolated from the three-dimensional digitalmodel of the anatomical region according to one embodiment of thedisclosed technology.

In embodiments, the step of measuring the separate three-dimensionaldigital model 400 of the feature 405 to yield a measurement of anon-visible aspect of the feature 405 includes drawing a line segment410 from a first point 415 on the feature 405 to a second point 420 onthe feature 405 to delineate at least one of a width, length, height, orcircumference of the feature. In some embodiments, the step of measuringthe separate three-dimensional digital model 400 of the feature 405 toyield a measurement of a non-visible aspect of the feature 405 furtherincludes drawing a plane through the feature 405 at the intersectionwhere the feature extends from the body of the living organism todelineate at least one of a width, length, height or circumference ofthe feature. Non-visible aspects of the feature 405 include for example,a volume, an area, a depth, a surface angle, a base width, or a mass ofthe feature.

In Table 1, below, a patient's torso was imaged on three separate visitsto render a three-dimensional digital model of the patient's torso ateach visit for the purpose of obtaining measurements of non-visibleaspects of the patient's breast. At each visit, the patient's breast wasisolated from the three-dimensional digital model of the patient's torsointo a separate three-dimensional digital model of the breast for thepurpose of obtaining measurements of the breast. On the first visit, thepatient's breast, i.e., the isolated three-dimensional digital model ofthe patient's breast, was isolated and measured, prior to infusiontreatment, to obtain baseline measurements of the breast for comparisonto the breast post infusion treatment. On the second and third visits,the patient's breast was isolated and measured after infusion of 100 ccand 200 cc, respectively. The non-visible aspects of the patient'sbreast that were measured after each visit and/or treatment includedvolume, area, base width, and depth.

TABLE 1 Patient Breast Measurements of Non-visible Aspects Pre- andPost-Infusion Treatment Non-Visible Aspect Measurements of Patient'sDate of Reason for Breast Patient's Patient's Base Model Visit VisitVolume Area Width Depth 1 Mar. 8, Pre- 240.57 223.15 13.59 3.79 2019Treatment cm³ cm² cm 2 Mar. 15, Treatment 1- 358.40 277.61 13.42 4.022019 100 cc cm³ cm² cm 3 Mar. 25, Treatment 2- 452.05 293.64 15.91 4.522019 200 cc cm³ cm² cm

FIG. 8 demonstrates one way in which the depth of the breast may bemeasured by a point to point measurement connected by a line segment. Insome embodiments, the depth of a feature is determined by measuring thedistance of a linear segment drawn from a first point on the featurethrough the feature to a second point on the feature. For example, inFIG. 8 , a first point 415 is input at the apex of the breast and asecond point 420 is generated and input at the base of the breast. Aline segment 410 is input to connect the points 415, 420. The linesegment 410 then measures and provides the distance between the points415, 420 to provide a depth of the breast.

FIG. 9 demonstrates one way in which the surface distance and/or lengthof a feature 405, namely a foot, may be measured according to oneembodiment. First, a three-dimensional digital model 400 of a foot isrendered. Next, a first point A 415 is input at the apex of the big toeof the foot, or at the point furthest away from the foot, and a secondpoint B 420 is input at the apex of the heel. To obtain the length ofthe foot, a linear line segment 410A is input to connect the points 415,420. The line segment 410A then measures and provides the distancebetween the points 415, 420 to provide the length of the foot. To obtainthe surface distance, a non-linear line segment 410B is input along thesurface of the foot from the first point 415 to the second point 420.The line segment 410B then measures the distance of the surface betweenthe points 415, 420 to provide the surface distance of the foot.

FIG. 10 demonstrates one way in which the volume of a feature 405,namely the foot, may be measured according to one embodiment. First, athree-dimensional digital model 400 of a leg is rendered. A plane 430 isthen input transversely through the ankle of the leg or transverselythrough the boundary of the portion of the leg which denotes thebeginning or start of the foot. For example, in embodiments, the plane430 is input transversely through the narrowest width or circumferenceof the leg. The volume below the plane 430, wherein “below” is in theorientation of a standing person, is measured to provide the volume ofthe foot. In some embodiments, volume is determined by measuring thedistance of a first linear segment drawn to delineate the widest widthof the feature from left to right, then by measuring the distance of alinear segment drawn from a first point on the feature through thefeature to a second point on feature from front to back, and then byutilizing points input that delineate the outline of the feature.

FIG. 11 demonstrates one way in which a circumference of a feature 405,namely a leg, may be measured according to one embodiment. First, athree-dimensional digital model 400 of a leg is rendered. A non-linearline segment 410 is input around the ankle of the leg such that a closedline segment 410 that extends entirely around the ankle is input. Theline segment 410B then measures the distance of the closed line segment410 to provide the circumference of the leg.

The present technology can be carried out with one or more of theembodiments described. The drawings show embodiments with theunderstanding that the present description is to be considered anexemplification of the principles and is not intended to be exhaustiveor to limit the disclosure to the details of construction. Thearrangements of the components are set forth in the followingdescription or illustrated in the drawings.

While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific referenceto the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departingfrom the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and rangeof equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.Combinations of any of the methods, systems, and devices describedherein-above are also contemplated and within the scope of the disclosedtechnology.

I claim:
 1. A method of performing anatomical measurements ofnon-visible aspects of a feature in an anatomical region of a livingorganism, the feature having a contoured shape visible to the naked eye,the method comprising: (a) imaging only an external part of theanatomical region of the living organism, the imaging including imagingof the feature having the visible contoured shape; (b) acquiringmeasurements of a plurality of aspects of the imaged anatomical regionwhich are visible to the naked eye; (c) producing a three-dimensionaldigital model of the anatomical region based on the acquiredmeasurements; (d) determining that the feature is within thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region; (e) isolatinga separate three-dimensional digital model of the feature from thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region, and displayingthe separate three-dimensional digital model of the feature in aseparate display location than a display location of thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region, therebyproviding a three-dimensional representation of the entire feature; and(f) measuring the separate three-dimensional digital model of thefeature to yield a measurement of the aspect of the feature, wherein thefeature is selected from the group consisting of a breast, a nose, anear, a penis, an arm, a leg, a hand, a foot, a back, a torso, a head,lips, a neck, a shoulder, an abdomen, a waist, an elbow, a wrist, afinger, a thigh, a knee, a calf, an ankle, a toe, or buttocks of theliving organism, and wherein the aspect of the feature is selected fromthe group consisting of a volume of the feature, a depth of the feature,a surface angle of the feature, a area of the feature, a surface area ofthe feature, a base width of the feature, a mass of the feature, adistance between visible points of the feature, a surface distancebetween visible points of the feature, and a circumference of thefeature
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the featureis within the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical regionis carried out automatically based on at least one of: inputs enteredabout the type of feature known to be within the anatomical region; aknown shape of the feature within the anatomical region; and manuallyentered inputs of the contours of the feature known to be within theanatomical region.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the visiblecontoured shape includes a unique contour of the feature, which isvisible to, and identifiable by, the naked eye, when looking at theliving organism.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the visible contouredshape includes a contour of the feature having an external surface whichis measurable using a tape measure or goniometer, while the livingorganism is whole.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the visiblecontoured shape includes a feature that can be traced or measured bywrapping a film around the exterior surface of the feature, while theliving organism is whole.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the visiblecontoured shape has a visible outer circumference. This is in contrastto internal contoured shapes, which lack visibility and are disposedunder or within the outer circumference of the feature.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising identifying the feature determined to bewithin the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region bymanually inputting at least one of a plurality of points, a linesegment, or a closed shape around the edges of the feature within thethree-dimensional digital model to delineate the outline of the featureprior to isolating the separate three-dimensional digital model of thefeature from the three-dimensional digital model of the anatomicalregion.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein isolating the separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature includes cutting thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region at a plane ofthe delineated outline of the feature.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinmeasuring the separate three-dimensional digital model of the feature toyield the measurement of the aspect of the feature includes drawing alinear line segment from a first point on the separate three-dimensionaldigital model of the feature to a second point on the separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature to delineate at least oneof a width, length, height, or circumference of the feature.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein measuring the separate three-dimensionaldigital model of the feature to yield the measurement of the aspect ofthe feature further includes drawing a plane through the separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature to delineate at least oneof a width, length, height or circumference of the feature.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the measured aspect of the feature is depth,which is determined by measuring the length of a linear segment drawnfrom a first point on the separate three-dimensional digital model ofthe feature through the feature to a second point on the separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature.
 12. The method of claim1, wherein the measured aspect of the feature is volume, which isdetermined by: measuring the distance of a first linear segment drawn onthe separate three-dimensional digital model of the feature to delineatethe widest width of the feature from left to right; measuring thedistance of a linear segment drawn from a first point on the separatethree-dimensional digital model of the feature through the feature to asecond point on the separate three-dimensional digital model of thefeature from front to back; and utilizing the end points of the firstlinear segment and of the second linear segment that delineate theoutline of the feature.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein imaging theexternal part of the anatomical region of the living organism includescapturing a whole exterior of the anatomical region with a camera. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein the camera is the camera of a handheldelectronic device selected from the group consisting of a scanner,smartphone, computer tablet, action camera, video recorder, glasses,goggles, headset, smart glasses, augmented reality (AR) headset, andvirtual reality (VR) headset.
 15. The method of claim 13, whereinacquiring the measurements of the plurality of aspects of the imagedanatomical region which are visible to the naked eye includes measuring,using orientation sensors, the whole exterior of the anatomical regionduring the imaging of the anatomical region.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein acquiring the measurements of the plurality of aspects of theimaged anatomical region which are visible to the naked eye comprisescomparing between individually captured images of the anatomical region.17. The method of claim 15, wherein the orientation sensors comprisesensors selected from the group consisting of accelerometers,gyroscopes, motion sensors, global positions systems, and localpositioning systems.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein producing of thethree-dimensional digital model of the anatomical region comprisesproducing a three-dimensional hologram of the anatomical region.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein isolating a separate three-dimensionaldigital model of the feature from the three-dimensional digital model ofthe anatomical region comprises isolating a separate three-dimensionalhologram of the feature from the three-dimensional hologram of theanatomical region.
 20. A system of performing anatomical measurements ofmass of a feature in an anatomical region of a living organism, thefeature having a contoured shape visible to the naked eye, the systemcomprising: an imager for imaging the anatomical region of the livingorganism; and an electronic device including a graphic user interface,an application programming interface, a processor, a memory, and a logicstored on the memory and executable by the processor, wherein whenexecuted the logic performs steps (b) to (f) of the method of claim 1.21. The system of claim 20, further comprising: a cloud storage devicefor storing images and data; and a cloud computing engine; wherein theelectronic device interfaces via the application programming interfaceto store or process images and data in the cloud storage device, memory,or cloud computation engine.
 22. The system of claim 20, wherein theimager comprises a camera of a handheld electronic device selected fromthe group consisting of a scanner, smartphone, computer tablet, actioncamera, video recorder, glasses, goggles, headset, smart glasses,augmented reality (AR) headset, and virtual reality (VR) headset.